とんぼ返がえり

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

somersault; flip

A forward or backward flip, like a dragonfly's quick turn. Often used in gymnastics or play.

• 子こ供どもが公こう園えんでとんぼ返がえりをしている。

  The children are doing somersaults in the park.

• 体たい操そうの授じゅ業ぎょうでとんぼ返がえりを練れん習しゅうした。

  We practiced somersaults in gym class.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

quick round trip; there and back without staying

Going to a place and returning immediately, often without an overnight stay. Implies a very short visit.

• 大おお阪さかまでとんぼ返がえりで行いってきた。

  I went to Osaka and came right back.

• 出しゅっ張ちょうはとんぼ返がえりだったので、観かん光こうする時じ間かんがなかった。

  It was a quick round trip for business, so I had no time for sightseeing.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

abrupt turnaround; sudden reversal

Metaphorical use: a sudden change in direction, opinion, or policy, like flipping over.

• 社しゃ長ちょうの方ほう針しんがとんぼ返がえりして、プロジェクトは中ちゅう止しになった。

  The president's policy did an about-face, and the project was canceled.